Tag Archives: National Parks

On Your Way to Fargo, Stop and See the Sights

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Let’s say you’re heading into North Dakota coming from Montana on I-94. Let’s say you want to take in the view of the amazing scenery, including and especially Painted Canyon. Let’s say we’ve got a place for you!

Fargo wasn’t our only stop in this great northern state. Theodore Roosevelt National Park, which is only about 20 miles from the MT/ND border, will make your day. This is historical Dakota Territory, with a park aptly named for a U.S. President who spent a lot of time here. This is no ordinary scenic overview.

There’s plenty to see in the Park itself, but if you’re in a hurry, there’s an amazing scenic overlook of Painted Canyon as you’re heading East on I-94 towards Fargo (see map point above). Watch out for bison.

In Eastern Wyoming Lies a Key to America’s Past. Welcome to Fort Laramie.

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Wyoming is known for a lot of things–least populated state, ranches, open spaces, dinosaur remains–but it also hosts one of the most historic sites of the American West. What began as a trading post in the 1830s soon evolved into a formidable military site during post-Civil War westward expansion.

The history associated with Fort Laramie is both fascinating and heartbreaking, given its role in conflicts with Native Americans. Nevertheless, it is part of our history, and although many of the original buildings have eroded away, what is left is remarkably well preserved.

The site, now officially known as the Fort Laramie National Historic Site under the National Park Service, is a reminder of how difficult life was on the Great Plains all those years ago, and how isolated people really were. It’s a little out of the way, but well worth the trip if you have the time. Be prepared for a breeze. Like much of Wyoming, it’s windy.

Meeting Places, Going Places

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Iceland is quickly becoming one of Europe’s most popular vacation spots. This land of the North has many gems within its borders. Reykjavik is a trendy spot, and many tourists also indulge on the country’s famous “ring road”. And while there’s plenty to do with both of those, Iceland’s interior is not always as heavily explored.

So why not stop by Þingvellir National Park. Known as Thingvellir in English, this place is a little outside of Reykjavik, but far enough away to still look like an alien planet. Part of the reason for that is due to its unusual location; it sits right on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates are slowly diverging.

For the history buffs out there, Þingvellir is home to the site of the first Icelandic Parliament over 1,000 years ago. But even if none of that interests you, the terrain is enough of a reason to go. One of the best ways to get there is through the Golden Circle Tour, which will also take you to a number of other places only found in Iceland.